Rio says when he will quit

Gus Poyet

Former England captain and QPR defender Rio Ferdinand plans to retire from football at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old in an interview with Jonathan Ross to be broadcast on Saturday evening on ITV that this season with Rangers will likely be his last.

"I probably think the end of this season," Ferdinand said.

"I'm not fearful of retirement, I'm looking forward to it, I can see some good stuff hopefully happening ahead.

"You get to a time where you start understanding your body and the strains playing football (is) putting your body through, going out and training every day."

The former Manchester United centre back, who has worked as a football pundit, expects to stay involved in football in some capacity and has begun his coaching badges.

He added. "I will stay in football I'm sure in some capacity. I've signed to BT and stuff and I've done stuff with the BBC at the World Cup which I really enjoyed and it's something I'm sure I will take up and do a bit more (of). I'm doing my (coaching) badges as well and there are other bits and pieces outside of football."